Have you tried a Scotch pie ? The Scotch pie, also known as a mutton pie, is a small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or other meat. Its origins are deeply rooted in Scottish cuisine, and it is considered a traditional Scottish dish. The pie is known for its sturdy pastry shell, made to be easily held in the hand, a feature that made it popular among workers and at outdoor events like football matches. The exact origins of the Scotch pie are difficult to trace, as with many traditional foods, but it is believed to have been around for several centuries. The use of mutton reflects Scotland’s sheep farming heritage, where sheep were more commonly farmed than cattle, especially in the Highlands and islands. The pie’s design, with a hot water crust pastry that could retain its shape and consistency even when not supported by a pie tin, suggests it was developed for convenience and portability. This type of pastry is durable and was ideally suited for the pie to be eaten by hand without the contents spilling, making it a practical option for workers’ lunches or as a takeaway meal at markets and fairs. #Scottish #midweekmeals #scotchpie #pie #britishfood #scottishfood